Gastrointestinal bleeding refers to any bleeding along your gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus.
Gastrointestinal bleeding may be acute or chronic.
Acute gastrointestinal bleeding
Acute gastrointestinal bleeding develops suddenly and may cause severe bleeding. This type of gastrointestinal bleeding requires emergency medical care because it can cause severe, rapid blood loss that leads to shock.
Chronic gastrointestinal bleeding
Chronic gastrointestinal bleeding is an ongoing bleed that may lead to anemia, causing you to feel tired and short of breath.
What are the symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding?
Symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding vary and may depend on the area where you have the bleeding.
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding
If you have bleeding in your upper digestive tract, you may vomit bright red blood or a substance that looks like coffee grounds. You may also have dark, tarry stools or the appearance of dark blood in your stool.
Lower gastrointestinal bleeding
If you have bleeding in your lower digestive tract, your stools may be black and tarry, tinged with dark blood, or coated with bright red blood.
How is gastrointestinal bleeding diagnosed?
Dr. Saliminejad conducts a comprehensive examination when you come in with concerns about gastrointestinal bleeding. His goal is to find the cause of your bleeding so he can create the most effective treatment plan.
During your exam, he reviews your symptoms and medical history. He performs a physical and may run various tests, including endoscopic procedures. Testing might include:
- Blood test
- Stool test
- Upper endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Capsule endoscopy
- Endoscopic ultrasound
Dr. Saliminejad determines what type of testing you need based on your symptoms.
How is gastrointestinal bleeding treated?
Treatment for your gastrointestinal bleeding depends on the cause and location of your bleed. Dr. Saliminejad may prescribe medications to treat an underlying condition responsible for your bleeding or recommend surgery to stop it.
Dr. Saliminejad may also suggest lifestyle and diet modifications based on the cause of your bleeding to treat and prevent a recurrence.